Planning board approves Bombardier expansion, neighbors concerned

The Plattsburgh planning board approves a big expansion for Bombardier, but neighbors who live the area are not happy about it and there's talk the plan could end up in court.

The planning board voted to approve the $25 million expansion for bombardier, but neighbors who live in the area say they're not completely on board.

The company plans to add 80,000 square feet to its main plant and test-track facilities.

But one neighbor we talked to today tells us he's worried the move will create a lot of additional noise and is worried about the company encroaching on his property lines.

He also said he's been approached by others who live nearby about filing a lawsuit against bombardier to stop the construction.

To be clear, as of yet, no lawsuit has been filed.

The neighborhood is zoned as industrial and has been since the sixties.

According to the Plattsburgh planning board chair, bombardier expanding will be good for the community as a whole.

“I think people don't realize besides jobs, which are important, but it also helps the local business people whether you're praised you know for delivering produce to the cafeteria or doing minor repairs or lawn care or whatever, everybody is going to reap something from it,” Planning Board Chairman Joe Rotella said.

The company's Plattsburgh facility has built more than 2,000 subway cars for the MTA in New York City since it opened its rail car plant in 1995 and is currently working on a $600 million order for them.